Understanding the costs of replacing a solar inverter

It’s a frustrating moment for any solar owner: your system stops producing, and you suspect the inverter—the hardworking heart of your setup—is to blame. While solar panels often last 25 years or more, their inverters usually have a shorter lifespan of 5 to 15 years. If yours has failed outside of its warranty period, you’re likely wondering about the replacement cost.

The total expense isn’t just the price of the new unit. It’s a combination of the hardware itself, the labour to install it, and any other necessary adjustments to get your system safely back online. Let’s break down what you can expect to pay in Brisbane.

The average solar inverter replacement cost in Brisbane

For a straightforward replacement of a standard string inverter, most Brisbane homeowners can expect to pay somewhere between $1,500 and $4,000. This price range covers the new inverter and the cost of a licensed electrician to install it. A Brisbane-based installer notes that a like-for-like brand swap with no wiring changes can cost as little as $249 in labour, but this is a best-case scenario. Most replacements require some adjustments, which adds to the cost.

If your system is older and smaller (e.g., 2-3kW), it’s worth noting that many modern quality inverters start at a 3kW or 5kW capacity. The price difference between these smaller sizes is often minimal, so you might budget around $1,600 for a quality replacement, fully installed.

Price of a 5kW string inverter in Brisbane

String inverters are the most common type found in residential installations. For a good quality 5kW string inverter, the unit itself can cost between $1,000 and $2,000. The final installed price in Brisbane for a replacement will typically fall in that general $1,500 to $4,000 range.

Here’s a look at popular brands:

• Sungrow: Often considered a reliable and cost-effective choice. A 5kW Sungrow string inverter is a popular replacement option, with the unit costing around $1,089.
• Goodwe: Another brand offering a good balance of performance and price, with 5kW single-phase models available for under $1,000 (unit only).
• Fronius: A premium European brand known for its quality and longer warranties. A 5kW Fronius Primo inverter unit typically retails for around $2,000, with the final installed price often landing between $2,300 and $2,800.

Cost of microinverters in Brisbane

Microinverters are a different technology where a small inverter is placed on the back of each individual solar panel. This makes them great for roofs with shading issues but increases the upfront cost.

• Enphase is the dominant microinverter brand in Australia. Each microinverter costs around $150 to $200.
• For a typical 6.6kW system (around 15-16 panels), the microinverters alone could cost between $2,250 and $3,200.
• You also need an Envoy gateway unit (around $700) for the system to communicate and report data.

Replacing a failed microinverter is less common than replacing a string inverter, but it involves higher labour costs due to the need to access the roof and remove panels. However, a key benefit is that if one fails, the rest of your system keeps producing energy.

Hybrid inverter cost Brisbane

A hybrid inverter, also known as a battery-ready inverter, allows you to add a solar battery to your system either now or in the future. They are more expensive than standard string inverters but offer greater flexibility.

The cost of a replacement hybrid inverter can range from $2,000 to over $6,000. For example, a 5kW iStore hybrid inverter is often included in battery-ready packages. Premium models like the Fronius GEN24 Plus can cost between $2,400 and $3,800 for the unit alone.

Breaking down the labour and additional costs

The final price you pay is more than just the hardware. Here are the other factors that contribute to the total solar inverter replacement cost in Brisbane.

• Electrician labour: You can expect to pay a licensed solar electrician between $300 and $700 for the installation. This covers removing the old unit, mounting and wiring the new one, and ensuring everything is compliant with current safety standards.
• Switchboard upgrades: If you have an older home, your switchboard may need an upgrade to meet modern safety standards. This can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000.
• Scaffolding or complex access: If your inverter is located in a difficult-to-reach place, or the job requires work at height (e.g., for microinverters), additional safety equipment like scaffolding might be necessary, adding to the cost.
• Disposal fees: Most reputable installers will include the removal and disposal of your old inverter in their quote. However, it’s always wise to confirm if there are any separate disposal fees.

Are there any Queensland solar rebates for inverter replacement?

Unfortunately, there are no specific Queensland Government rebates for simply replacing a broken solar inverter. The main federal incentive, the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), provides Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) for new and complete solar system installations.

This incentive is calculated on the size of the entire system (panels and inverter). Therefore, a standalone inverter replacement does not qualify for STCs. This is a key reason why, if your system is old and small, it can sometimes be more cost-effective to replace the entire system rather than just the inverter. A new 6.6kW system in Brisbane could be eligible for an STC rebate worth around $2,000, while the full system may cost between $4,500 and $10,000.

Making the right choice for your home

When your inverter fails, it’s a good time to assess your whole system. If your panels are also old and underperforming, investing in a complete new system with a full warranty and access to rebates might offer better long-term value.

However, if your panels are still in great condition, a straightforward inverter replacement is the most direct way to get your solar energy flowing again.

If you’re ready to get a clear, fixed-price quote, I can introduce you to a trusted, SAA-accredited local expert. They can diagnose the issue and provide a detailed quote for the best solution for your home.